Monthly Archives: October 2017

“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” – Erma Bombeck, American Humorist

They came together from sixteen different local congregations and organizations, yet they shared one vision – to help those affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate. On Thursday night, fifty volunteers joined with Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA (LDR-EPA) for a Cleanup Kit Rally at Christ Lutheran Church in Kulpsville, PA.

“It was exhilarating seeing so many people find a tangible way they could help,” said Julia Menzo, director of community outreach for LDR-EPA. Volunteers were asked to contribute supplies needed for the kits to their home congregation; the congregations then brought the supplies to the rally. “We accepted donations large and small. If you could only give your congregation one box of trash bags, or a few bottles of dish soap, every donation was accepted to become part of the larger collection and donation. People who didn’t think they could help were able to do so through this project.”

Supplies included in the cleanup kits are a 5-gallon round bucket, liquid laundry detergent, liquid household cleaner, dish soap, a clothesline, clothespins, sponges, trash bags, cleaning wipes, air freshener, gloves, scouring pads, insect repellent and more. Complete instructions can be found here. The cleanup kits are valued at $65 each and built following a list provided by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The kits will be distributed to UMCOR to areas still recovering from the recent hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.

Our heartfelt thanks to those who participated from:

Christ Lutheran Church of Harleysville

Christ Lutheran Church of Springtown

Grace Lutheran Church of Hatfield

Liberty Lutheran Services

Little Zion Lutheran Church of Telford

Montgomery County Department of Public Safety

John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Morrisville

John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ridge Valley

John’s Lutheran Church of Folcraft

John’s Lutheran Church of Richlandtown

John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown

John’s Lutheran Church of Sumneytown

The Confirmation class from Trinity Lutheran of Lansdale

The Kids Co-Op from Bethlehem

Thrivent Financial

LDR-EPA’s depth of experience in long-term recovery and wide network of disaster partners enables us to efficiently connect survivors with the appropriate resources, coordinate a corps of volunteers to assist with recovery, and provide congregations with the training and resources needed to best serve impacted communities.

If you would like further information on how you can help, or would like to make a donation to Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA, please visit Libertylutheran.org/ldr.

A special message from Luanne Fisher, President and CEO of Liberty Lutheran:

Ruth, Herman, and Sally are once again embracing life. With your help, Liberty continues to procure the resources, talent and technology that inspire these seniors—as well as many others—to greet each day with joy.

Because of your kind generosity, Ruth*, who copes with challenges in cognition and speech, has replaced distress and listlessness with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.

Herman*, who struggles with memory loss, has replaced withdrawal and separation with renewed joy in friends and fellowship.

Where at one time she faced failing health and was gripped by despair, today Sally is at a healthy weight, maintains a wholesome diet, and is full of energy and optimism.

For Ruth, It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L) is the catalyst that is drastically improving her well-being. This new technology was made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Designed specifically for memory impaired seniors, iN2L consists of an easy-to-use tablet or touch screen computer that is pre-loaded with personalized activities and individual profile pages for each resident comprised of familiar photos, music, videos, and more.

“Before iN2L, Ruth would constantly pace and continually repeat herself. It was a strain for her emotional and physical well-being. However, with the colorful and interactive activities made available by iN2L, she has become very engaged. iN2L has made such an important impact, not only on Ruth’s recreational needs, but her physical and emotional ones as well,” says Megan Calel, a Household Coordinator at The Hearth at Drexel, Liberty’s personal care and memory care community in Bala Cynwyd.

Herman is once again experiencing life’s small pleasures through the magic of music. “Herman is non-verbal and never chooses to participate in activities. But we’ve had the incredible honor to witness how music has in some way spoken to him. Recently, when I led a group in singing When the Saints Go Marching In, I was delighted to catch Herman mouthing the words. It was extraordinary to see him so present and engaged,” says Molly Bybee, who spearheads music therapy at Liberty’s Paul’s Run senior living community.

Molly frequently uses instruments, headphones, and portable digital media players to enrich her group and one-on-one music therapy sessions. Your gift secures these instruments and devices and replaces any items which worn from use.

Sally’s renewed joy of living grew out of the resources and support provided by LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC). During her most debilitating period—when she needed unconditional encouragement and strength more than anything else in her life, WPSCC was there to build up her hope and fortitude. Through WPSCC’s fitness training, and its classes in exercise, disease management, nutrition, and healthy cooking, Sally has been able to successfully reclaim her health and her happiness. She is proud to say without reservation that “WPSCC saved my life.”

Sally continues to rely on WPSCC to maintain her good health—as do many of her peers. And, it is your support that offers critical, life-enriching training, classes, and opportunities to vulnerable seniors.

Liberty is firmly committed to strengthening the lives of older adults through inspiration, innovation, and compassionate care.

A special message from Katrina Wise,Executive Director of Paul’s Run Retirement Community:

What does a garden mean to you? The English philosopher Francis Bacon saw the garden as the purest of human pleasures. American writer and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said that earth laughs in flowers. And French painter Claude Monet believed his garden to be his most beautiful masterpiece.

ToPaul’s Run resident Angie the garden provides the perfect backdrop to friends and fellowship. “Being able to enjoy the outdoors with friends lifts your spirit,” she says. Paul’s Run resident Emma champions the outdoors as an antidote to bolster well-being, and suggests one can get a daily dose of happiness by walking in the garden.

The garden means harmony, joy and rejuvenation to Angie, Emma and all of our beloved residents, who now, because of your continued interest and support, can enjoy a new outdoor space known as the Friendship Garden.

This enchanting refuge—which envelopes a serene walking path, lovely flowers, and soothing water feature—is a tranquil space where residents and family members can meditate, pray, reminisce, or simply soak up the pleasures of nature.

“I am more myself in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” ~Author and gardening expert Doug Green

Julie Stumpf, Director of Spiritual Life, reflects these beautiful words when she describes the Friendship Garden. “Residents are commenting on the garden’s appeal. It has elements of stillness, yet also movement of life that is represented by a gentle fountain.”
“This garden is a special place—a place that engages the senses and the spirit through flowers, colors, and the sound of water. It is apart from the busyness of the community and its high traffic areas. Here residents can experience the divinity of nature in a space that is organic and still,” says Julie.